Overview
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) licenses healthcare professionals to work in the Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their own health regulators. Doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals who are not exempt must pass a MOHAP assessment exam before they can be licensed.
The exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test delivered at Prometric test centres. Content, length and passing rules depend on your profession and specialty.
MOHAP's own website could not be reached when this page was checked. The facts below come from licensing guides published by recruitment and exam-preparation companies, and only facts that these guides agree on are included. Confirm every detail with MOHAP before you apply.
Who can apply
The guides list these general requirements. The exact requirements depend on your profession and grade.
A recognised qualification in your field.
Post-qualification clinical experience. The length required depends on your profession and grade.
A valid professional licence from your home country or last place of work.
A certificate of good standing issued within the last 6 months.
Primary source verification of your degree, licence and experience through DataFlow.
Exemptions. Some professionals do not need to take the exam. Examples include some holders of recognised international exam passes or active licences from certain regulators, provided they meet the experience requirements. The rules differ by profession, so check the current MOHAP requirements for yours.
Exam pattern
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based, at Prometric test centres |
| Format | Multiple-choice questions, many based on clinical scenarios |
| Length | Varies by profession; around 150 questions in 3 hours is commonly reported for general practitioners |
Marking and results
MOHAP does not publish one pass mark for all professions. Preparation guides report a threshold of around 60% for most categories, and the guides disagree on how many attempts are allowed. Check your eligibility letter and MOHAP's current rules.
How to apply
Create a profile in MOHAP's smart services.
Apply for the Health Professional Evaluation, and upload your qualifications, licence, good standing certificate and experience letters.
Complete primary source verification through DataFlow.
Once MOHAP confirms you are eligible, book your exam with Prometric.
After passing, apply for your MOHAP licence, which involves a final review of your documents.
After the exam
After passing the exam and getting your evaluation approved, you can be licensed to work at a MOHAP-regulated facility. Your licence must then be renewed, which includes meeting continuing medical education requirements.
Preparation tips
Start DataFlow verification early, because guides report it can take several weeks.
Check first whether your qualifications or licence make you exempt from the exam.
For physicians, revise the core clinical subjects (internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and obstetrics and gynaecology) using scenario-based MCQs.
Which emirates does a MOHAP licence cover?
The Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their own regulators.
Do I always have to take the MOHAP exam?
No. Some professionals with recognised international exam passes or licences from certain regulators are exempt. The rules differ by profession.